Choosing the right Askar field flattener depends heavily on your specific astronomy goals. The Askar 80ED Telescope 0.7x Reducer stands out for wide-field astrophotography with a lightweight design, but it’s mainly manual and geared toward imaging. The Askar 60F offers a versatile, portable option with a built-in field flattener, perfect for those who want both visual and astrophotography capabilities. Meanwhile, the Askar 107PHQ combines high performance with ease of use, making it ideal for serious astrophotographers who seek excellent color correction without additional accessories. Each has tradeoffs—mainly cost, complexity, and scope of use—that influence who should pick which.
Key Takeaways
- The Askar 80ED excels in wide-field astrophotography but is limited to manual focus.
- The 60F provides a good balance for both visual and astrophotography with built-in field flattening.
- The 107PHQ offers superior color correction and full-frame capability, suited for advanced users.
- Price and complexity vary, with the 80ED being more affordable but less versatile.
- Your choice should align with whether you prioritize portability, image quality, or ease of use.
| Askar 80ED Telescope 0.7x Reducer Refractor for Astrophotography |  | Best for Wide-Field Astrophotography | Focus Type: Manual | Finderscope: Included | Model Name: 80ED Telescope 0.7x Reducer | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Askar 60F Flat-Field Telescope, 60mm Aperture F6.8 ED Glass Refractor OTA |  | Best for Versatile Visual and Astrophotography | Aperture: 60 mm | Focal Length: 408 mm | Focal Ratio: F6.8 | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Askar 107PHQ Flatfield Astrograph, 107mm Aperture, F7 |  | Best for Advanced Astrophotography and Visual Use | Aperture: 107 mm | Focal Ratio: F7 | Focal Length: 749 mm | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| askar field flattener | Aperture | Focal Length | Focal Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Askar 80ED Telescope 0.7x Redu | — | — | — |
| Askar 60F Flat-Field Telescope | 60 mm | 408 mm | F6.8 |
| Askar 107PHQ Flatfield Astrogr | 107 mm | 749 mm | F7 |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Askar 80ED Telescope 0.7x Reducer Refractor for Astrophotography
The Askar 80ED shines as a lightweight, high-quality refractor optimized for astrophotography, particularly with its 0.7x reducer that expands the field of view. Its triplet ED glass design minimizes chromatic aberration, delivering sharp images of nebulae and star clusters. Compared to the other options, it’s more specialized for imaging rather than visual observing, and its manual focus limits real-time adjustments. This makes it ideal for dedicated astrophographers seeking wide-field shots but less suitable for those wanting to do visual astronomy or quick setup changes.
Pros:- Wide field of view with 0.7x reducer
- Lightweight and CNC-machined for durability
- Includes a 360° rotator for framing flexibility
Cons:- Manual focusing only, no motorized option
- Primarily designed for imaging, not visual use
- Few similar reducers available on the market
Best for: Serious astrophotographers focused on wide-field imaging
Not ideal for: Beginners, visual observers, those needing motorized focus
- Focus Type:Manual
- Finderscope:Included
- Model Name:80ED Telescope 0.7x Reducer
- Weight:0.32 kg
- Back Focus:55mm
- Filter Thread:M48×0.75 2-inch
Our verdict“This pick is best for dedicated astrophotographers who prioritize wide-field imaging and lightweight setup.”
Askar 60F Flat-Field Telescope, 60mm Aperture F6.8 ED Glass Refractor OTA
The Askar 60F offers a portable, well-rounded option that combines a quadruplet ED lens with a built-in field flattener, supporting both visual and astrophotography needs. Its moderate aperture and focal ratio make it suitable for deep sky imaging and detailed observations, especially with full-frame cameras. Compared to the 80ED, it’s more versatile and easier to carry around, but its manual focus and limited mount options may pose challenges for quick adjustment or tracking. It’s a solid choice for hobbyists who want flexibility in a compact package.
Pros:- Quadruplet ED glass minimizes chromatic aberration
- Built-in field flattener simplifies astrophotography setup
- Supports full-frame imaging with sharp star points
- Portable and easy to transport
Cons:- Manual focus can be slow for precise adjustments
- Not suited for terrestrial viewing
- Limited mount compatibility for high-precision tracking
Best for: Amateur astronomers seeking portability and multi-use capability
Not ideal for: Advanced astrophotographers requiring motorized focus or high magnification
- Aperture:60 mm
- Focal Length:408 mm
- Focal Ratio:F6.8
- Optical Design:Quadruplet air-spaced APO
- Mount:Altazimuth
- Compatibility:DSLRs and cameras
Our verdict“A versatile, portable choice that balances visual and imaging use with integrated flat-field correction.”
Askar 107PHQ Flatfield Astrograph, 107mm Aperture, F7
The Askar 107PHQ stands out with its large 107mm aperture and F/7 focal ratio, providing high image quality with minimal chromatic aberration thanks to ED glass elements. Its design does not require additional field flatteners, thanks to its excellent optical correction. The inclusion of comprehensive accessories like adapters, tube rings, and a durable aluminum case makes it a complete package for serious users. Compared to smaller models, it is bulkier and more expensive but offers impressive image quality and ease of use for long exposures or detailed visual work. Its manual focus, however, might be a hurdle for quick adjustments.
Pros:- Exceptional color correction with ED glass
- No need for extra field flatteners
- Includes a sturdy case and accessories
- Suitable for deep sky and visual astronomy
Cons:- Cost may deter beginners
- Manual focus can be time-consuming
- Larger and heavier than smaller scopes
Best for: Experienced astrophotographers wanting high image quality with minimal setup fuss
Not ideal for: Beginners or those needing a lightweight, portable setup
- Aperture:107 mm
- Focal Ratio:F7
- Focal Length:749 mm
- Field of View:154.5 degrees
- Lens Description:Quadruplet air-Spaced APO
- Included Accessories:Adapters, tube rings, dovetail, aluminum case
Our verdict“Ideal for users who want high-quality images with minimal extra accessories and are comfortable with manual focusing.”
How We Picked
Our selections are based on key factors like optical quality, ease of use, versatility, and value for both astrophotography and visual astronomy. We prioritized products with reputable optical designs, such as quadruplet ED glass, and those featuring built-in field flatteners to simplify setups. Consideration was also given to user feedback, accessories included, and how well each product balances performance with ease of operation in real-world scenarios.
| askar field flattener | Focal Ratio |
|---|---|
| Askar 80ED Telescope 0.7x Redu | — |
| Askar 60F Flat-Field Telescope | F6.8 |
| Askar 107PHQ Flatfield Astrogr | F7 |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Askar Field Flattener
Selecting the right Askar field flattener depends on your specific goals, equipment, and experience level. It’s essential to consider whether you prioritize wide-field astrophotography, portability, or high-quality images without extra accessories. Understanding the optical design, focus mechanism, and compatibility will help you make an informed decision.Optical Design and Image Quality
Quadruplet ED glass designs like those in the 60F and 107PHQ provide superior color correction and flat fields, minimizing chromatic aberration and distortions. The 80ED’s triplet design is still excellent but more specialized for wide-field imaging with a reducer. High optical quality ensures sharp star points across your entire frame, which is crucial for astrophotography and detailed visual observations.
Ease of Use and Setup
Built-in field flatteners, like in the 60F and 107PHQ, greatly simplify setup and reduce the need for additional accessories. Manual focusing remains common, but some models include rotators or other features to aid precise framing. Consider your familiarity with focus adjustments and whether you prefer a lightweight, portable package or a more robust, feature-rich scope.
Compatibility and Accessories
Ensure the scope’s mount compatibility and included accessories match your existing gear. Larger models like the 107PHQ come with comprehensive kits, but may be less portable. The 80ED is more suited to dedicated imaging setups, while the 60F strikes a balance, supporting both visual and imaging workflows with support for full-frame cameras.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a field flattener and why is it important?
A field flattener is an optical accessory that corrects distortions across the image plane, producing sharper stars and more evenly focused images across the entire frame. For astrophotography, especially with full-frame cameras, a good field flattener ensures that your images are not marred by curvature or chromatic aberration, making your shots look more professional and detailed.
Can I use these Askar products for visual astronomy?
Yes, some of these scopes, like the 60F and 107PHQ, are suitable for visual work as well as astrophotography. The 80ED is optimized more for imaging, so it might not be the best choice for purely visual use. When choosing, consider whether manual focusing and portability are priorities for your observing sessions.
Are built-in field flatteners better than add-on accessories?
Built-in field flatteners, like in the 60F and 107PHQ, tend to be more convenient since they eliminate the need for extra adapters and reduce setup complexity. However, add-on flatteners or reducers can sometimes offer slightly better correction or flexibility, particularly if you already own a scope that doesn’t have integrated flatteners. It’s a tradeoff between convenience and potential optical perfection.
Which scope is best for a beginner?
While all these products are designed with varying levels of experience in mind, the Askar 60F offers a good balance of affordability, portability, and versatility, making it more approachable for beginners. The 80ED and 107PHQ, with their higher price points and manual focus requirements, are better suited for users who have some experience and specific imaging goals.
How important is aperture when choosing a scope for astrophotography?
Aperture determines how much light your scope can gather, directly impacting the detail and brightness of your images. Larger apertures like the 107mm of the PHQ allow for deeper imaging and more detailed astrophotography but come with increased weight and cost. Smaller apertures, such as the 60mm in the 60F, are more portable and easier to handle but may limit the faintness of objects you can capture effectively.
Conclusion
If you’re an experienced astrophotographer seeking high image quality with minimal fuss, the Askar 107PHQ is the clear choice. For those new to astrophotography or looking for a portable, versatile option that can handle both visual and imaging tasks, the Askar 60F makes an excellent starting point. Meanwhile, dedicated wide-field imaging enthusiasts on a budget will find the Askar 80ED a compelling option, especially if manual focus isn’t a concern. Your decision should align with your technical comfort, portability needs, and imaging ambitions.
